Raleigh’s Tommy Turner keeps his cool while waiting to run “Muscle Boat” in the Stock Eliminator class. Don Davis Jr. | HPE
“We’ve got two misting stations, which have been a huge hit,” said Ken Dollar, series director of the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series.
Aside from the misting stations, dozens of umbrellas could be seen as residents tried to cool off from the sun on the banks of Festival Park. Racing fans also brought fans and towels, and many sought water bottles.
Richmond, Va., resident Kevin Kilgour Sr. attended all three days of the event. Shortly after using the misting station Sunday, Kilgour said he made sure he had ice water, Gatorade and got cool often during the three days.
“The guys working out there in the fields, we have been telling them to come in and get cool and take a few moments to get out of the heat,” said Kilgour, whose son, Kevin Kilgour Jr., is a boat racer. “We are doing everything we can to watch out over everybody here.”
Aaron Harris, an Atlanta resident, attended the boat races Sunday with his wife, Portrice, and their three children, Aerial, Alfonza and Destiny. The family sat under a tent, had water bottles and a fan.
“We are from Georgia, so this is cooler than what’s in Georgia,” Aaron Harris said. “We are OK.”
Jordan Green, a High Point Jaycees co-chairman for the Lucas Oil Oak Hollow Drag Boat Races, said his group initially ordered 14,000 pounds of ice for the event, which was the same amount as last year’s event. Because of the heat, the High Point Jaycees had to order another 6,000 pounds.
“The ice is to keep everything cold,” Green said. “A lot of it goes down to the volunteers down on the ramp, over in the EMT section, as well as for the boat drivers.”
Green said the Jaycees had some volunteers who got light-headed from the heat, but all were fine. “A couple of people got a little flush and a little hot,” he said. “We parked them, put some ice on them, and they were ready to go.”
Art Robertson, a vendor who sold steak and cheese sandwiches, sausages and pork tenderloin sandwiches, also had to stay cool.
“We have to stay very hydrated,” Robertson said. “We have gone through cases and cases of Gatorade and water.”
dignasiak@hpe.com | 888-3657
Yes, it was hot, however, Jaycees were well organized and concerned about all spectors and workers. Many Jaycees gave it their all to make it a success. THANKS to all who attended and Here's to 2011 Races!